Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ALL systems are in place for historic Gukurahundi hearings, which begin today, with president of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, confirming that all logistical arrangements have been put in place for a smooth start to the process.
In an interview yesterday, Chief Mtshane assured the nation that preparations, including transport for traditional leaders to rural areas and the secure storage of sensitive testimonies, have been meticulously finalised, paving the way for this pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s national healing and reconciliation process.
The initiative, spearheaded by President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic, seeks to address and bring closure to post-independence disturbances that rocked Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands Province in the 1980s.
“After extensive preparations, including the training of chiefs and setting up the Command Centre, I can confirm that everything is ready for the long-awaited Gukurahundi hearings, which start tomorrow (today).
“This includes transport for chiefs to rural areas and the secure storage of testimonies, all fully in place and ready for hearings to begin today without any hitches,” said Chief Mtshane.
He added, “Chiefs and those who are part of the process are collecting vehicles from the Central Mechanical and Equipment Department (CMED) Bulawayo depot. Some chiefs have also provided their own vehicles. We are raring to go.”
This readiness follows a crucial meeting, a fortnight ago, where the steering committee of the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme met chiefs from Matabeleland provinces in Bulawayo to finalise logistical arrangements for the rollout of the community outreach programme.
Chief Mtshane also said they have not experienced any challenges so far during the preparation phase.
He said since journalists will not be permitted to record the accounts, the media would receive updates at the Command Centre in Bulawayo.
“Given the victim-centred and private nature of the hearings, with journalists not being allowed during the proceedings, specific measures have been implemented to ensure the media receives updates at the Command Centre established at First Mutual Building in Bulawayo to support and coordinate the process. This will be the home of the process. We will notify the media of the days for press conferences,” Chief Mtshane said.
During the proceedings, each chief will be supported by a 13-member panel. This panel, with the chief acting as the presiding officer, will include nominated elders from the community, religious leaders, as well as women and youth representatives.
To ensure meticulous record-keeping, two rapporteurs will be present to document submissions using various tools such as laptops, iPads, recorders and cameras, with the chief ultimately responsible for the safe custody of these gadgets.
The National Chiefs Council also announced that the Government was prepared to compensate victims of Gukurahundi.
Last month, Matabeleland chiefs launched a critical outreach programme, engaging with headmen and village heads across their jurisdictions, marking a significant step towards the Gukurahundi public hearings.
The outreach was aimed at briefing fellow traditional leaders on the upcoming hearings.
President Mnangagwa entrusted traditional leaders with leading the process of addressing the Gukurahundi issue as part of broader national healing efforts. He officially launched the Gukurahundi public hearings programme last July, empowering traditional leaders to conduct the hearings.
Initiated in February 2019, the Government’s approach seeks to resolve the Gukurahundi issue through an internal, home-grown process that reinforces national unity.
The Second Republic has demonstrated a strong commitment to facilitate a healing process that brings closure to past conflicts, aligning with the President’s vision of nation-building and fostering unity.C
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